Are risky behaviors associated with tattoos? The association of tattooing with non-sexual health risk behaviors among Filipino college students

Leopoldo  P. Sison Jr.,; Jose Ma. Joaquin  B. Buñag,; Gail  B. Burgos,; Peter Jared Michael  F. Caballes,; Rachel Jean  S. Cabangon,; Von Merrylou  D. Cabanilla,; Paolo Miguel  Y. Cabero,; Juan Carlo  M. Cacao,; Daniella Marie  L. Cagampan,; Ma. Antonette  P. Calipjo,; Reubenne  A. Candelario,; Jacqueline  D. Canoza,; Kenneth  E. Cantalejo,; Carolyn Pia  Jerez-Bagain,; Gerald Caesar  O. Libranda,

Are risky behaviors associated with tattoos? The association of tattooing with non-sexual health risk behaviors among Filipino college students

Abstract:

Introduction The study aimed to determine the association of body tattooing and health risk behaviors among young adult Filipinos in a university in Metro Manila, as previous studies have linked tattooing to health risk behaviors such as alcoholism, violence, suicidality, illegal drug use and smoking. Methods A convenience sample of students enrolled in randomly selected colleges from a university were recruited for the study. Researchers administered the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to the participants. Prevalence rate ratios were computed, and chi-square was utilized to test for significance and strength of association of the variables mentioned. Results Among the risk behaviors studied, only smoking had a significant association with tattooing, with tattooed individuals being two times more likely to be engaged in smoking. Alcoholism, violence, suicidality and illegal drug use did not show significant associations with tattooing. Conclusion The presence of body tattoos was associated with increased engagement in smoking behaviors, though the association between tattooing and other risk behaviors should be further explored.